State Sen. Mike Waugh is not seeking re-election in 2014

He was first elected to the state Senate in 1998.

A longtime state lawmaker from York County won't be running for re-election in 2014.

State Sen. Mike Waugh, R-Shrewsbury Township, announced in a news release Friday his plans to not seek a fifth term.

"Making the decision not to run again is difficult, but I've been considering it for many months and my family and I know that this is the right time for me to move on to other interests," Waugh said in the release. "I've been blessed to meet thousands of wonderful people through the years, many of whom have become good friends."

Waugh, a former state representative, was first elected to the state Senate in 1998. He is the majority caucus chairman. He could not be reached for comment Friday, following the announcement.

In the news release, Waugh said he was recently diagnosed with a medical condition which will require a course of treatment. The release said he's "optimistic of a speedy and successful outcome."

Bob Wilson, chairman of the York County Republican Committee, said no one has come to him and committed to running for Waugh's seat in 2014.

"I'm sure those conversations will be happening shortly," Wilson said.

Wilson said his thoughts and prayers are with Waugh and his family.

"I'm looking forward to, hopefully, seeing him come through this medical issue with flying colors ... in the very near future," Wilson said.

York County President Commissioner Steve Chronister previously said he was considering running for Waugh's seat, if the senator didn't seek re-election.

Advertisement

"At this point, I'm more concerned about his well-being than me committing to running for that position," Chronister, of West Manchester Township, said Friday.

But he said he's seriously considering running, and that he would focus on property tax reform if elected. He said he doesn't have a timeline for making the decision.

State Rep. Ron Miller, R-Jacobus, also previously said he could be interested in the position. On Friday, he said it's still early, and he'll consider running for the seat at a later point.

"Right now, my thoughts are just with Mike and his family," Miller said.

Quotable

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve the fine people of York County in the Senate for four terms, and in the House before that," state Sen. Mike Waugh, R-Shrewsbury Township, said in a news release. "Words cannot express how much I appreciate the trust that my constituents have put in me. I've always done my best to represent their interests at home and in the Capitol."

About Waugh

State Sen. Mike Waugh:

graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School and attended the York County campus of Pennsylvania State University;

served as a supervisor in Shrewsbury Township, before being elected to the state House in 1992;

was elected to the state Senate in 1998;

is majority caucus chairman in the state Senate. He is vice-chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and co-chair of the General Assembly's Fire and Emergency Services Caucus.

He and his wife, Wanda, have one son, Joseph, and a granddaughter, Camdyn.